Officers come from near and far to pay respects

From such nearby cities as Mishawaka and LaPorte to such faraway states as Florida and Oregon, police began pouring into South Bend this morning for the funeral of Cpl. Nick Polizzotto.

Polizzotto was killed early Tuesday morning in South Bend while responding to a shots-fired call.

By 8:30 a.m. today, at least a couple hundred officers could be seen outside the Joyce Center at the University of Notre Dame, eating breakfast and signing a guest book.

Sgt. Mike Kellems of the LaPorte County SheriffÂ?s Department was among them

Â?IÂ?m a photographer for the post. So I go to all the funerals and do photos,Â? he said. Â?Notwithstanding that, police work is a brotherhood that knows no boundaries. So I thought it good that we come out to show respect.Â?

Patrolman Jeff Huckaby drove a little more than an hour from Munster, Ind. to pay tribute.

Â?My deepest sympathies go out to the family,Â? he said, Â?and of course to the South Bend Police Department.Â?

Check this site for more updates on todayÂ?s funeral. For complete coverage, see TuesdayÂ?s South Bend Tribune.